The French Approach for the geological repository MP François-Michel GONNOT ANDRA, Chairman Legislative and organisational frameworks: decision-making steps, transparency and civil society participation relation with the public
Overview of the geological repository project for HLW
Phase1: 1991 Research law A political leap forward Development of Three Research areas for HLW Independence of Andra from the CEA Mobilisation of the overall scientific community A process for identifying sites to perform research programmes Creation of the National Review Board (CNE) Assessment of Research Programs in 2006 Future Draft Law in 2006
Phase 1: 1991-1998, siting for an underground laboratory A MP commited for a consultation mission 1993 over 30 candidates 3 sites selected from available geological data 1996 applications for constructing 3 underground laboratories 1998 Government decision for constructing a laboratory in Meuse / Haute-Marne Phase 1 is dominated by a political process, based on scientific information
Phase 2: research, construction and operation of the underground laboratory in Meuse/Haute-Marne (Bure) Bure 2009
Phase 2: main achievements Implementation and operation of an URL (ANDRA) Scientific research phase with demonstration of the feasibility of a reversible repository in a clay formation (ANDRA) Dossier 2005 http://www.andra.fr Information & Evaluation setting-up at the national and the local level Support to local development, with the waste generators Investigation of alternative solutions to disposal Phase 2 is characterized by its high scientific value
Phase 2: 1999-2005 conclusion, definition of a transposition zone 250 km 2 30 municipalities (villages) ~ 4000 inhabitants
Phase 3: 2006-2015 Planning Act, a roadmap for a geological repository 2006 Planning Act Licensing A stepped-up timetable for the geological repository 2014: Application 2015: Reports Parliamentary Office for Evaluation of Scientific and Technological Options (OPECST) National Review Board (CNE) Nuclear Safety Authority Territorial Communities >2015: Draft law to set reversibility conditions 2025: Commissioning Funding Research: financed through a tax Construction of new facilities for storage and disposal financed through contracts
Phase 3: 2006-2015, project development (1/2)? Phase 3 is characterized by a scientific, technologic and territorial balanced approach
Phase 3: 2006-2015, project development (2/2) 10
2006 2013: siting for a repository Transposition zone of the Laboratory (250 km²) Proposal by Andra of an implementation site 2010-2011: Comprehensive survey of the interest zone and development studies on implementation scenarios of surface facilities Exchanges and dialogue 2005 2009 2012 2013 Surface: 2 or 3 implementation scenarios + 30-km² Underground: 1 area 30-km² interest zone Public Debate Site selection
Conclusion A radioactive waste repository project concerns all citizens It must be implemented with the involvement at all levels The national one, with an oversight by the Parliament, and with the information provided by the National Review Board (CNE) The local one, with a direct participation of the stakeholders and of elected people, and especially through the Local Information and Oversight Committee There is no universal rule except that a framework must define responsibilities of each of the parties a progressive approach is required Clarity and transparency are the key elements for implementing a geological repository